Sony Announces NEX-EA50 Professional Camcorders and Memory Stick PX Series

Sony has introduced the latest additions to its NXCAM range of professional video products: the NEX-EA50H and NEX-EA50K.

Offering flexibility with its interchangeable E-mount lens system, the large format Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor allows the user creative freedom when shooting full HD videos and high-quality still photos. This new design means that users can alternate between handheld and shoulder configurations without the need for additional accessories. Both camcorders own a built-in mechanical shutter to realize high-speed shutter while capturing still pictures.

The NEX-EA50H camcorder comes with the newly developed Power Zoom E-mount lens E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS SELP18200. It is electronically controlled by both the zoom rocker lever on the camcorder grip and the camera handle. Film-makers can achieve a constant zoom speed and smooth slow zoom, both of which can be difficult to accomplish with manual zoom lenses. In addition, by using fixed focal length lenses users can simulate a zoom effect using the smart digital zoom function, ensuring that they never miss a shot in fast paced environments.

The NEX-EA50K camcorder comes with the Manual Zoom E-mount lens E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS SEL18200 which gives users auto focus, continuous variable iris. The zoom operation is only in manual, but the NEX-EA50K will be provided at a relatively affordable price setting.

The NEX-EA50H and NEX-EA50K feature a range of professional functions you would expect from an NXCAM camcorder such as 2-channel XLR audio (the ECM-XM1 Shotgun microphone is included with the NEX-EA50H only), Linear PCM audio, time code, user bit and built-in GPS.

In addition, Sony’s HXR-FMU128 flash memory unit can dock directly to the camcorder for simultaneous backup recording, and the new Mirroring Memory Stick (MS-PX64/32/16) which has professional back-up features can also be used. This PX series is the world’s first memory card featuring “Mirroring” function, enabling the card to deliver high reliability and data security through a dual recording (mirroring) function and Secure Access function.

Available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacity (8GB/16GB/32GB mirrored), the Memory Stick PX series allows secures data recording and playback against data corruption by splitting the recording area of the PX series into two partitions. When recording, the data stream is simultaneously written to both partitions, effectively minimizing the data error ratio to 1/10,000th of non-mirrored recording (Standard mode). For enhanced security against data theft, the PX series also includes the world’s first “Secure Access” function, which limits access only to those with a Sony NXCAM1 or a PC with password.

Designed with a grey back, the PX series provides increased visibility when removing the card in dark conditions. It also features an unprecedented “Replacement Notice” alert to inform users that their card is nearing its limit for overwrite cycles, so they can replace the card. The card is IPX8 waterproof, IP5X dustproof, anti-static and shockproof for maximum durability under challenging conditions.

A free software is available through download, with Memory Card File Rescue for recovery of accidentally deleted files and Memory Media Utility, which facilitates workflows for professional users. The Memory Media Utility software offers users a high-speed writing mode that can increase writing speeds by up to 2x, a standard mode that allows users to record more by turning off the mirroring mode, a back-up function that lets users copy recorded data on a PX series memory card to three locations at a time and a formatting function that quickly deletes all the content on the card.

The NEX-EA50H and NEX-EA50K camcorders will be available from Oct 2012 onwards with suggested list prices of less than US$4,000.

The 16GB and 32GB PX series will be available in APAC from Oct 2012, and the 64GB model will be available in Nov 2012.